Source: Texas A&M Today
Researchers at Texas A&M’s School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences have found that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), typically used to treat heartburn and acid reflux, may also be effective against cancer and immune disorders in dogs. PPIs, which inhibit proton pumps regulating stomach acid, might also affect cancer and immune cell proton pumps. Dr. Emily Gould explains that combining PPIs with chemotherapy could enhance treatment efficacy by targeting cancer cells’ acidic environments and resistance mechanisms.
However, PPIs may also inhibit immune cells, suggesting that timing is crucial for their use in cancer treatment. Ongoing research aims to understand PPIs’ broader effects, including their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Clinical trials are underway to assess PPIs’ impact on dogs with mast cell tumors. This research could bridge gaps in understanding PPIs’ potential beyond gastrointestinal issues, benefiting both Veterinary and human medicine.
Read the full story HERE: https://today.tamu.edu/2024/05/23/heartburn-medications-may-help-fight-cancer/